The side effects of omeprazole run the gauntlet from mild and common to more serious health issues. In some cases, these side effects can impact other preexisting conditions. Minor complaints include nausea and stomach pain, with such symptoms as swelling of the mouth and difficulty breathing indicating more severe reactions to the medication. Omeprazole is commonly used as a treatment for chronic heartburn and acid reflux conditions. As with any type of prescription medication, the medical community strongly advises that patients report any minor or serious complication from taking the medicine that proves to be long term or bothersome.
Among the most common of the side effects of omeprazole, nausea and stomach pain are typical. Other types of stomach upset may occur as well, especially vomiting and mild cramping. Unusual symptoms of gas may also become an issue for some people who have recently started this type of treatment. Some patients prescribed this acid reflux medication report minor problems with commonly occurring headaches. Most medical professionals do not view these symptoms as especially dangerous, though it is recommended the patient contact their doctor if the irritating symptoms do not resolves themselves in an appropriate amount of time.
Though unusual, moderate side effects of omeprazole have been reported by patients as well. Some people have experienced reactions to omeprazole that closely mimic the symptoms of common allergy attacks such as skin rash, hives, and feelings of tightness in the chest. These patients may also notice some difficulty breathing and swelling of the mouth, including of the tongue and lips. Other manifestations of adverse reactions are flu-like symptoms such as fever, chills, and sore throat. Patients who experience these side effects should call the prescribing doctor as quickly as possible for instructions on whether or not to continue the medication.
In very rare circumstances, incredibly serious side effects of omeprazole have been reported, including severe bone pain, seizures, and unexplained and unusual bruising and bleeding. Some patients have also experienced red and blistering skin, serious vision changes, and extreme fatigue while taking omeprazole. The stomach may also be affected with painful and chronic cramps and diarrhea. Additional serious reactions are the presence of abnormally dark urine, swelling of the hands and feet, as well as sudden weight gain. These drug allergy reactions point to the possibility of problems with the kidneys and liver, and the patient should notify their doctor and seek immediate medical attention if these symptoms appear.